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MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

General Santos City
Senior High School

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM

THE REGIONS (CAR11/12)

Prepared by:
MAYCHELOU R. CASTILLO
Dates:
March 1-30, 2022

LEARNING
MATERIAL

1&2
Benavides-Perez, Angelita, M.A., (2016). Philippine Contemporary Arts (Expressions and Experimentations)
For Educational Purposes Only
MRC 10.15.20
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Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions (Car11/12)

Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC)

1. Describes various contemporary art forms and their practices from the various regions.
2. Discusses various art forms found in the Philippines.

Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Contemporary Arts

The arts is a fraction of a bigger branch of discipline: the Humanities.

Humanities – refers to the study of the human experience – how people process and record their thoughts, beliefs,
and longings. It includes philosophy, history, literature, art, music, and language as their modes of expression. Through
these, we get to know how others have lived and thought about the challenges of life. From them, we get to decide what
is important in our lives and what we can do to make our lives better.

Humanities coexist with another branch of discipline. The subjects in school are classified into two general types:
the sciences and the humanities.

The sciences deal with the object study of the external world – what we see in it and all processes that happen
within it.
- Precise and structured
- Objective, giving out facts
- Can be measured
- Scientists think up ways to make life easier and comfortable

On the other hand, humanities deal with the expression of the internal world of a person, a world where
everything is subjective. This internal world includes a person’s emotions, dreams, and aspirations.
- Not as accurate or structured
- Subjective, expressing personal views and opinions
- Is more difficult to measure
- Artists imagine ways to make life delightful and pleasing

Although the sciences and humanities are two entirely different disciplines, both are needed to provide a balanced
knowledge of the world. Oftentimes, the two can also be integrated to create something that is both functional and
delightful.
Ex. Buildings architecture (science: construction of a building, humanities: to create its artistic design)

Lesson 1.2 – Contemporary Arts

Contemporary art – is the art that springs out of the present-day events and passions of the society. It is the
newest form of art, amusing people from the middle to the late 20 th century up to this very minute.
- Authorities in the arts place the emergence of contemporary art sometime during the start of postmodernism
in the West, around late 1970s.
- This was the time when artists reacted to the previous art period called modernism, whose idea of using a
pure, simplified, and streamlined form and style was fundamental in creating something new at that time.
- This gave birth to the idea that “less is more”.
- It functions in a global society that is culturally diverse and technology-oriented.
- For one thing, it provides instances for people to reflect and respond to contemporary social concerns and
issues pertinent to themselves and the world.
- For another thing, it is a combination of mixed styles, materials, techniques, and concepts that challenges
tradition.
- It has gone into the mainstream and into the communities.
- It has become a collaborative process and the audience plays an active role in reacting and constructing
meaning about the work of art.

It is good to study contemporary arts because you are surrounded by art in our everyday life, in mass media, and
even in social media. However, it is not enough to see or hear them. You have to understand what they mean and how
they affect your life.

Benavides-Perez, Angelita, M.A., (2016). Philippine Contemporary Arts (Expressions and Experimentations)
For Educational Purposes Only
MRC 10.15.20
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- Ask yourself if what you see and hear is good for you.
- You have to learn to sift through the diverse sights and sounds to find their worth.
- Discriminate between good and bad art, for what is truly beautiful is in knowing the arts.

Contemporary art is essential because it belongs in your time, it also serves as a form of expression of the people’s
present feelings and longings.

Contemporary works of art are the means through which the artists of today communicate their statement.

Contemporary Arts vs. Modern Art

This divergence of the modern art from the norms of its former periods is similar to the unorthodox movement of
contemporary art. In fact, the two periods are similar in so many ways that people oftentimes have mistakenly
interchanged them. This is understandable; after all, the definition of the words “contemporary” and “modern” is even
the same.

The Similarities and Differences:

- Modern art emerged in the late 1800s (waned in the middle to late 20 th century, when postmodernism arise),
while contemporary arts was born in Postmodernism up to this day.
- Modern art developed as styles and techniques, whereas contemporary means “with the times” (con tempo).
- Both modern art and contemporary art use modern (in the artist’s time) issues as subjects for their art works,
whether it is a still life, an ordinary daily activity, or far more serious social issue like human trafficking or war.
- Personal thoughts are also common subjects.
- Many believe that contemporary art is more socially conscious than modern art because more social issues
have been realized in the recent decades.
- Most popular contemporary subjects are feminism, globalization, migration, and environmental concerns.
- Contemporary arts differs from modern and other art periods in its never-ending originality.
- Contemporary art is the form of art which one cannot easily classify.

Integrative Art
This is the “crossbreeding” of contemporary art and other different art categories. These art forms are interactive
and multi-disciplinary in nature, which is, consisting of ideas and practices from different branches of learning – the
outcome, being the unity of separate areas of learning.
Examples
The integration of science and humanities – two different discipline – in a building’s architecture.
Legends and the Classics – a performance from three different disciplines song (Lea Salonga, international
singer and theatre actress), dance (Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, prima ballerina) and music (Cecil Licad,
international classical pianist)

Lesson 1.3 – The Subject of Art

To create your own contemporary piece, you must fully understand what makes an artwork a true work of art.
You must first explore the subject of art.

Every work of art has a subject.

A song may contain lyrics of devotion directed to a certain person. A novel may talk about the results of war. A
painting may show a scene in nature. Every work of art — regardless of the period in which it belongs — has a subject, the
very core of its conception.

Generally speaking, a subject or topic is any person, animal, thing, or issue that is described or represented in a
work. It usually generates the question, What is it? Because people expect to see or hear subjects that they can recognize
or are familiar to them. Subject is different from theme or content (substance); theme is the recurring idea or element in
a work of art. The theme refers to the ideas, thoughts, and feelings of the artist.

Everything under the sun is considered a subject in the arts — from the simplest idea (e.g., happiness) or an object
(e.g., a wine bottle) to the most complicated ones, like philosophical thoughts or dreamscapes. In visual design, artworks
with subjects that are recognizable are called realistic, representational, or objective art. Those that are not recognizable
are nonrepresentational or non-objective art.

In visual design, there are different ways or styles of depicting a subject. Get to know these styles through the
works of art of various Filipino contemporary artists.

Realism
The first style is realism in which the subject is done the way it actually looks. An example of this is the painting of
Araceli Dans below.
Benavides-Perez, Angelita, M.A., (2016). Philippine Contemporary Arts (Expressions and Experimentations)
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MRC 10.15.20
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Ex. Bridal White by Araceli Dans. 2014. Watercolor on paper

Distortion
The second is distortion wherein the artist uses his or her imagination and alters the subject according to his or
her desire. A stylized work is a form of distortion like Norma Belleza’s painting.
Ex. Fiesta by Norma Belleza. 2012. Oil on canvas

Abstraction
The third is abstraction wherein the artist breaks apart a subject and rearranges it in a different manner.

In Science, it is the process of analysis and synthesis. Pablo Picasso innovated this style in the early 1900s.

The paintings of the National Artist Vicente Manansala belong to this category.

Non objectivism
The fourth style is non-objectivism wherein there is totally no subject at all — just an interplay of pure elements
like line, shape, or color, and so on.

A good example of non-objectivism is the painting by Roberto, Untitled No. 2 by Roberto Chabet. 1980. Acrylic on
paper

With regard to subject or theme, the Filipino contemporary artists are now conscious of their indigenous roots.
Granting that the Philippines has been colonized for over 400 years and impacted by Spanish and American cultures, the
contemporary Filipino artists are veering away from these influences. However, they accept the fact that these are part
of the Philippines’ historical identity. They are embedded in the country’s culture. Moreover, these artists are conscious
that they are no longer subject to western ideas, concepts, and forms.

As discussed earlier, themes that are prevalent in the contemporary art scene in the regions are responses to
social, economic, and political issues, ethnic and indigenous concerns, and current events. Other subject matters also
considered are Philippine folklore, mythology, and philosophical thoughts. Some subjects in the visual arts that continue
to be favored are still life, landscapes, genre scenes, portraits, and Philippine fiestas and landmarks. Additional subjects
are those concerning superstitions and the supernatural. All these are the subjects that have helped developed the
Filipino’s sense of national identity.

Aside from these, avant-garde styles are used by daring and innovative artists in all the art forms.

Lesson 1.4 – The Elements of Art

Art forms in the different regions vary in subject, theme, style, medium, and technique. However, as you have
learned in Grade 7, there are certain characteristics that are common to all. First, the arts share the same tradition and
influences which our country has undergone for more than four centuries. Second, the arts can be used skilfully to suggest
feelings and emotions. Finally, they share certain elements and principles of organization or principles of design. These
are essential to the production of Philippine contemporary art. They serve as the basic and common expressive tools of
the art forms in the regions.

In this regard, review and study further the elements of art.

The elements of art are all around you all the time — from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep.
Reviewing them will make you more conscious that they are part of the environment and everyday living. Being aware of
the elements educates your senses and enriches your lives. Hopefully, after reviewing them, they will be stored in your
memory and you shall be able to retrieve them when you find cause for them and when you start creating your own pieces
of art.

The following are the elements of art.

1. Space
Space in visual arts can be defined as a void, an emptiness which can either be positive or negative. The positive
space refers to a space enclosed in a shape, while the negative space denotes the opposite. Moreover, in other art forms,
space can be referred to as an interval or pause. In literature, it is the pause between words, whereas in music, it is the
interval between notes.
2. Line
Line is the extension of a point, a short or long mark drawn or carved on a surface. It is an implied path suggesting
—
a. direction: vertical, horizontal, diagonal.
b. character: jagged, curved, series of dots or broken lines.
Benavides-Perez, Angelita, M.A., (2016). Philippine Contemporary Arts (Expressions and Experimentations)
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MRC 10.15.20
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It is easy to pinpoint line in painting, drawing, and other artworks of the similar type. But, in other types of art,
such as performing arts and literary arts, a line is described differently. In theatre, a line may refer to the script of the
actor. In dance, it is the series of steps that a dancer makes.

3. Shape and Form

When the ends of a line meet, they form a shape. Shape can also be described as a figure separate from its
surrounding area or background. It can either be geometric (angular) or organic (curvy).

Form is slightly similar to shape. It is an enclosed line, a figure separate from its background. But, remember that
shape is two-dimensional, while form is three-dimensional. For instance, the square is an example of shape; the cube is a
form. The circle is a shape; the sphere is a form.

4. Color
Probably the most striking art element that catches the eye is color. It is a sensation created by visible wavelengths
of light caught in a prism. It is a mixture of organic or synthetic substances called pigments, used as paint or dye.

Color creates a mood or tone, such as red for passion, anger, or love; blue for peace, nobility, or sadness; and
yellow for gaiety, innocence, or jealousy. Color also varies from dull to bright, depending on its intensity, like in music,
where intensity can also refer to the loudness or softness of a sound.

Color can also have different meanings, depending on one’s culture.

5. Value
In visual arts, value is the degree of lightness and darkness of a color.

In music, it is called pitch, which is the highness or lowness of a tone. The tone color or timbre refers to the quality
of the sound.

Like color, value suggests an atmosphere or mood, also found in other art forms (e.g., strong contrast suggests a
strong emotional response, especially in writing).

6. Texture
Texture is the surface of an artwork. A texture can be actual or tactile, meaning, it can really be felt by touch; or
it can be simulated or illusory, which means it can only be seen, not felt.

Lesson 1.5 – Principles of Design

Design is the overall structure of an art form. It is a plan for order. It is the means by which artists indicate and
demonstrate the ideas and feelings they wish to convey.

The principles of design are also called the organization of the elements. They help people make sense of the
environment, at the same time, make it aesthetically pleasing and interesting.

Because contemporary art has moved away from the classical styles, it is sometimes hard to critic a contemporary
work of art. Therefore, it is important to know the principles of design to be able to evaluate its art value. A good
contemporary work of art follows most, if not all, of these principles. They are tools for organizing the elements of art to
produce a unified and harmonious design, composition, or performance.

Here are some principles of design found in the arts.

Harmony
This refers to the wholeness of the design, the pleasing arrangement of parts, and the agreement between parts
of a composition, resulting in a united whole.

It is easy to spot unity in visual arts. If each of the elements in a visual work of art plays a vital role in the artwork,
then harmony is present.

In music, harmony is the combination of musical notes simultaneously played to produce music. No musical work
has only a single note. It needs harmony to be considered music.

In writing, the theme or the topic is the uniting factor. It binds all the parts and elements of the story, making it
worth reading. A piece of work that has no harmony is confusing to read.

Benavides-Perez, Angelita, M.A., (2016). Philippine Contemporary Arts (Expressions and Experimentations)
For Educational Purposes Only
MRC 10.15.20
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Harmony, or unity, can also be related to world affairs. The main goal of United Nations (UN), an
intergovernmental organization, is to create harmony among peoples of all nations. Its slogan is “unity in diversity.”

Variety
Variety pertains to the assortment or diversity of a work of art.

We can see variety in all of our surroundings. Take flowers as example. Flowers come in different colors, shapes,
and scent because every flower varies from one another.

Variations are produced so that monotony and uniformity in the environment are prevented.

Rhythm
Slightly contrary to variety is the rhythm or beat. It is the regular, repeated pattern in the elements of art. It is a
flow, or feeling of movement, achieved by the distribution of visual units or sound units in time. The beat can be regular
or irregular, simple or complex.

Rhythm, or beat, is natural in the universe. It exists in the human heartbeat, in the cycle of night and day, in the
waxing and the waning of the moon, and so on.

Proportion
Elements in a work of art should have a relationship with one another. This relationship is called proportion. A
well-proportioned shape is pleasing to the eye.

In a stage setting, the backdrop and the props must be appropriate to the performers without outshining them so
that they do not steal the audience's attention.

Balance
Balance pertains to the even distribution of weight. It is the principle that deals with equality. In art, there are two
types of balance: — formal balance and informal balance.

Formal balance, or symmetrical balance, refers to two sides that are identical to each other. An example is a
cross-sectional image of a butterfly. The spread wings of the butterfly show balance in the image.

On the other hand, informal balance, or asymmetrical balance, refers to two sides not identical to each other yet
equal in visual weight. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is a good example of a design that uses
asymmetrical balance.

The word “balance” is used in many aspects of life and in world affairs. For example, in order to be healthy, people
need a balanced diet. In world affairs, people need a balance of power from the stronger nations. Can you name other
manifestations of balance in the world?

Movement
This is a fundamental principle in choreography and the theater arts. Movement is a way to convey feelings and
emotions. It is the means by which dancers make use of their bodies to express an inner condition. Actors express their
lines through facial expressions, gestures, and body language as they move onstage.

It is also a basic principle of nature. There is the movement of time, of the tide, of the planets around the sun, and
so on.

Emphasis and Subordination

Emphasis is the principle that gives importance or dominance to a unit or an area. This is opposite to
subordination, which gives less importance to a unit or area.

There are many ways to represent these principles. In a classroom setting, the teacher often stands and faces the
class while the students sit at their desks neatly seated in rows and columns.

In the performing arts, actors and dancers are often placed at the front center stage while the supporting cast
stay on the sides or in the background.

In visual design, an element may stand out by itself or attract attention because of its size, position, or usage of
elements.

These organizational principles form the design structure of the art forms. The artists use elements appropriate
to the theme or subject. They follow certain principles to achieve an aesthetically pleasing effect.
Benavides-Perez, Angelita, M.A., (2016). Philippine Contemporary Arts (Expressions and Experimentations)
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MRC 10.15.20
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These are only guidelines and the artists are not bound strictly to follow them. In the end, however, the elements
and principles will appear naturally in their works.

Lesson 1.6 – Form, Content, and Context

When we look at a work of art, we have to consider three key elements in order to understand it. These three are
form, content, and context.

Form
The first key element that a spectator should consider in an artwork is its form.

Form is the surface feature of an artwork. It does not have anything to do with the art’s in-depth meaning. As the
saying goes “What you see is what you get;” form is just what it is — nothing else.

The arts take up specific forms. In visual arts, forms can either be two-dimensional such as drawings and paintings;
or three-dimensional similar to sculpture, architecture, and the like. In music, form pertains to the structure of a musical
composition. Some musical forms are the serenade, opera, rhapsody, and others. Form also exists in literature, ranging
from prose, drama, to poetry. Theater, on the other hand, has four basic forms: tragedy, comedy, drama, and melodrama.

Content
The next key element to study in observing an artwork is its content. It is what the artwork is about.

Content contains the subject matter that carries the message of the work. If form is the embodiment of the work,
then content is its substance.

Content is evident in visual, literary, and theater arts. However, in music, it is not as distinct because music is the
most abstract of the arts.

In music, content refers to the principal and recognizable melody of the composition — something that is stated,
developed, and repeated in the duration of the piece.

Context
Putting something in context means clarifying a word or a subject by describing the relevant circumstances
surrounding it. Context in the arts refers to the varied situations in which the works have been produced or interpreted.
There are two kinds of context in the arts: primary and secondary.

Primary context is the personal type, for it concerns the sentiments of the artist — his beliefs, values, interests,
attitudes, and emotions.

On the other hand, secondary context refers to the place and period in which the artist has made his work: the
social, political, and economic environment he is in; his and his society’s religious and philosophical convictions; the
climate and geography of the area in which the work is made; and his purpose in creating the artwork. These are the
various circumstances in which works of art are produced and/or interpreted.

Benavides-Perez, Angelita, M.A., (2016). Philippine Contemporary Arts (Expressions and Experimentations)
For Educational Purposes Only
MRC 10.15.20